Russian singer Zemfira turned 50 in Paris, continuing a career marked by recent songs addressing the war in Ukraine and her designation as a 'foreign agent' in Russia.
Key facts
- •Zemfira turned 50 on August 26, 2026, while residing in Paris.
- •The singer has been designated a 'foreign agent' by Russian authorities.
- •Her song “Myaso” is noted for its direct lyrical references to the war in Ukraine, including the line “It’s midnight in Mariupol.”
- •Zemfira collaborated with her nephew, Artur Ramazanov-Ostapenko, on four songs written during the war period.
- •She performed “Colette” and “Dramatique” during her 2025 concert tour but did not perform “Myaso” or “PODNHA.”
- •Zemfira declined a request for an interview from Meduza in the summer of 2026.
Singer Zemfira turned 50 on August 26, 2026, while living in Paris. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, she has left Moscow and released several songs addressing the war, including the track “Myaso” (“Meat”). Despite her public profile, the artist has declined recent requests for interviews, including one from Meduza in the summer of 2026.
Musical responses to the war
Zemfira’s wartime discography includes direct, politically charged compositions alongside more personal works. “Myaso” is described as a stark, direct statement on the conflict, featuring a shift into frenzied vocals during lines about Mariupol. In contrast, other tracks, such as those written with her nephew Artur Ramazanov-Ostap Ramazanov-Ostapenko, explore themes of personal connection and escapism amidst the threat of war. Her track “PODNHA” features a return to political themes, utilizing a structure that includes a Ukrainian sopilka flute against heavy guitar riffs. Other releases, such as “Colette” and “Dramatique,” demonstrate a shift toward different musical styles, ranging from French-inspired melodies to heavy, alternative-rock sounds.
Recent releases and concert performances
While Zemfira has continued to record, her output remains varied and unpredictable. She released an updated version of her earlier song “Jim Beam” in 2025, which she noted was produced out of affection for the original. During her 2025 concert tour, she included tracks like “Colette” and “Dramatique” in her setlists, though she notably excluded “Myaso” and “PODNHA.” Zemfira previously informed fans in April 2024 that a new album was in development, though it has not yet been released. Her work continues to be characterized by a refusal to repeat previous styles, maintaining a distance between her personal life and her public musical output.
Timeline
- 2022Zemfira released the song “Myaso” and left Moscow for Paris.
- April 2024Zemfira released “Colette” and told fans a new album was in progress.
- 2025Zemfira performed “Colette” and “Dramatique” during her concert tour.
- August 26, 2026Zemfira turned 50 years old.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
